Knowledge of modern Chinese history is fundamental to understanding contemporary China.  This course introduces students to a selection of key events and themes in modern Chinese history from the late imperial period to the present. Collectively, these events and themes have defined the course of modern Chinese history. The course also provides an understanding of how those events have been interpreted. The course assumes no prior understanding of the history of modern China. Workshop discussion and tutorial presentations will address historical and contemporary approaches to interpreting aspects of these events and themes. English is the language for instruction and for all readings.

1. Understand key isuess about modern Chinese history

2. Acquire a different cultural perspective from which to view oneself, one's culture and one's society

3. Integrate theoretical knowledge with empirical example

4. Learn to engage with the ideas and perspectives of other learners

5. Learn to think critically

6. Learn analytic skills for developing and defending an argument

7. Develop skills in synthesising and contextualizing new information

8. Develop skills to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources, both Western and Asian

         9. Develop an ability to work in cooperative groups on key issues in Chinese Studies and                  communicate findings to other course members

One tutorial precis (min 500 words; due before 30 Oct) - 15%

Tutorial participation - 10%

Major essay (min 2,000 words; due 16 Oct) - 40%

Final Examination - 35%

The first and second forms of assessment listed above (tutorial precis and participation) are designed to

develop learning outcomes 2, 4, and 9; the essay is designed to develop learning outcomes 1 - 3 and

5 - 8; the final examination is designed to consolidate learning outcome 1.

Two ASIA, HIST or POLS coded courses amongst prerequisites.

Reading Brick